Researchers are working on brain-computer interfaces to create a direct link between computers and the electrical signals in the brain of “locked in” individuals so they can operate devices like wheelchairs or use simple word processing programs to express their wishes.

Volunteers equipped with a virtual-reality headset have been able to switch lights on and off, bring a mock car to a stop and turn on a television set just by thinking.

Cyberkinetics plans to file an application with the Food and Drug Administration to allow clinical trials of its Braingate Neural Interface. It would allow up to five severely disabled patients to receive permanent implants designed to enable them to communicate with a computer.